In this Quick Hits, Assistant Professor of Education David Diener talks breakfast, philosophy, and fiction. 

What are some random things that you are good at?

Woodworking. I worked as a carpenter for many years. I’m a musician. My dad was a music teacher. I played music my whole life, sung in choirs, and I play a variety of instruments. I have a private pilot’s license. I’ve contracted houses. I put myself through graduate school by working as a construction contractor and did home renovations, remodels, additions, custom cabinetry, all kinds of stuff.

What are some things people would never guess about you?

I had long hair pulled back in a ponytail for seven years when I lived in South America. I learned Morse code as a child to get my ham radio license. I love Jane Austen novels — I don’t know if people would guess that or not. 

If you could have dinner with any Bible character, who would it be and why?

King David. Scripture describes him as a man after God’s own heart, and yet, we know that he was not perfect. He’s an interesting character to me because he was a shepherd, he was a poet, he was a king, he was a warrior. 

Who are your favorite fictional characters?

Levin in “Anna Karenina” and Jean Valjean in “Les Misérables.”

What is something you wish you did more of?

Read poetry. I’m a philosopher, so I love literature, but I find poetry difficult. I’m currently reading an anthology of poems.

Favorite breakfast food?

Egg sandwiches or omelets with jalapenos — must have jalapenos, the spicier the better. 

SAT, ACT, CLT, or none of the above?

CLT. I’m on the board of academic advisers for the CLT and have been involved in that company from the time it was founded. I’m invested in that and think they’re doing good work for education.

Favorite philosopher?

I’m going to cheat and say two. My first one is Plato, because I love teaching and reading Plato since he’s so foundational for the Western tradition and raises so many important questions. The other one is Søren Kierkegaard. I wrote my dissertation on Kierkegaard, and I find him to be a fascinating figure living in a time of philosophical change. And as an early existentialist and Christian philosopher, he’s very interesting to read. He has complicated ideas that can be difficult to understand, but he’s very intriguing.

What is the best decision a parent can make about their child’s education?

To recognize that every approach to education is teleological — every approach has a goal for what a child should become. Parents need to be intentional about educating their children in a way that aligns with their goals or vision of what they want their child to become.

What is something you would do if you knew you could not fail?

Fulfill the Great Commission. 

What is the best thing you’ve eaten in Saga?

I really enjoy the salad bar. I think it’s a really great salad bar with a lot of options. 

What is your favorite Bible verse?

Romans 12:21. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

What is your favorite season in Hillsdale?

Fall. I love the changing colors, the crisp, cool air — it’s great.

If you could go to any concert from any artist, alive or dead, who would it be?

Rich Mullins. Sadly, I was supposed to see Rich Mullins in concert my freshman year of college, and he died. He was in a car accident and died a month before I was supposed to see him in concert. 

What is your favorite place you’ve traveled? 

Florence, Italy. There is so much history and culture and art and architecture packed in an incredibly small geographical area. And you can walk around and feel like history is just literally falling out of the walls at you.

What is your idea of a perfect weekend?

To be in the woods in the mountains with my wife and a stack of good books.

Is this where you thought you’d be when you were a high schooler?

When I was in high school, I thought that I was going to be a pastor. I fell in love with teaching when I was a missionary in Bogotá, Colombia, and realized that I wanted to work in education. I wanted to teach because teaching involves a kind of pastoral work with students and intellectual engagement.